Expert: Jayendra Upadhye - 5/1/2008

Question
I am nine years old, and have been interested in astronomy for five years. I have a few questions regarding the Big Bang. When did the Big Bang take place? Was that the beginning of time, or did time exist before that? Last, what will the fate of the universe be?

Thank you for your time, I appreciate it very much.

Answer
Hi Ethan,
You did right by telling your age.
1 - Current age estimates put that at 15 to 18 billion years.
2 - Yes that was the beginning of time, as the universe did not exist before then, and concept of time is meaningless in a changeless place where NOTING CHANGES, or alternatively in an undefined place. The universe was literally UNDEFINED before THEN.
3 - As per current knowledge, if you consider the accelerated expansion of the universe because of DARK ENERGY then the universe will expand for ever! the stars will grow old and red, the white dwarfs will cool and disappear (that time is greater than current age of the universe), and we will all be in a cool dark place, trillions of years from now. (Until further notice that is)!!
One never knows, science may come up with evidence to the contrary, but till then..

check out wikpedia for dark energy and big bang..
soak up liesurely what you can, that IS the best way to learn.

Please do rate the answer if you find it meaningful.
regards
Jayen